Oleksandr Usyk must face Agit Kabayel to keep WBC heavyweight title

Oleksandr Usyk will be stripped of his WBC heavyweight title if he does not face mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel in his next bout, according to president Mauricio Sulaimán.

Mandatory obligations enforced

The World Boxing Council previously sanctioned a voluntary defence for the unified champion against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in Egypt.

However, the governing body has now officially ordered the Ukrainian to fulfil his mandatory obligations following his 11th-round stoppage victory in May.

Many fans called for an immediate rematch due to the dramatic finish in front of the pyramids, but that option has been firmly ruled out.

The WBC ruling was very clear. We accepted Usyk’s petition for a voluntary defence, which has now taken place.

Now the mandatory fight is Usyk against the interim champion Kabayel.

Risk of losing unified status

Kabayel has patiently held the position of WBC interim champion and primary contender since February 2025.

The undefeated German challenger now awaits his long-overdue opportunity at the top prize.

Should the mandatory bout fail to materialise, the reigning WBA, WBC and IBF champion risks losing one of his three prestigious belts.

Usyk previously vacated his WBO crown in late 2025, which ultimately led to Daniel Dubois claiming the heavyweight title.

Sulaimán refused to confirm whether the interim titleholder would automatically be elevated to full champion if the belt is vacated.

Only when something happens, when something is presented, do we go through the Board of Governors to make the proper ruling.

Referee defended over controversial stoppage

Usyk’s recent title defence was heavily debated after referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout with just one second remaining in the 11th round.

Verhoeven, competing in only his second professional boxing match, had pushed the veteran champion to his limits before being dropped by a vicious uppercut.

Despite criticism that Lyson waved off the contest prematurely, the WBC president offered strong backing for the British official.

I’m very proud of Mark Lyson, the referee. Because the referee’s only concern is the safety of the fighter.

He’s not a timekeeper. He’s a lifekeeper. We will always support a referee.